Breitling has expanded its Avenger line of products with a new large sized model dubbed Blackbird after its predominant black color and the fact that it is a timepiece intended for pilots. The new watch with the substantial diameter of 48 mm is a proper no muss no fuss flying instrument whose entire appearance is dedicated to the legibility. For starters, it has a simple and unpretentious black dial with contrasting luminous hour markers and hands. Moreover, the carbon based treatment used for its flat titanium case eliminates all possible glares that might impair the visibility when the watch is used in a cockpit of a plane. Breitling Avenger Blackbird timekeeper runs on a chronometer-certified automatic mechanical movement, it is coupled with a strap made of fabric and it has the price of around $5,100.

Breitling Avenger Blackbird Watch

Visibility and Simplicity

Avenger Blackbird is based on legibility and functionality in harsh circumstances. There are several components that ensure its high visibility. First of all, there is a spacious dial which is enabled with the generous case diameter of 48 mm. Such large housing, even when considering the current standards for a modern men’s timekeeper will undoubtedly repel some of the more classically oriented watch aficionados. However, its sheer size is quite appropriate for a timepiece that aspires to have an extraordinary legibility. The next element that is dedicated to improve said quality is the presence of a sapphire crystal with glare-proof coatings on both of its sides. This glass is surrounded with a uni-directional ratcheted bezel with engraved numerals which is just like the rest of the housing made of DLC treated titanium. The final element that was modeled in order to facilitate the reading of the supported indications is the dial itself. Made in Breitling’s Volcano Black color, the dial is quite simple and without any unnecessary ornaments or details. It includes oversized luminous hour and minute hands and the applied hour markers of the same kind (there is also a luminous dot-shaped section on the top of its rotating bezel). Apart from a date display aperture at the three o’clock position, the only addition to its time-keeping feature, the dial includes only white minute and second indices on the flanges, the brand’s logo on the top, and a few inscriptions in white and red on its lower section.

Breitling Avenger Blackbird Watch Profile

Prominent Water Resistance and a Pilot’s Crown

When it comes to other features that improve the functionality, they are mostly based on the construction of the watch’s exterior. The decision to make the housing from titanium severely reduces the weight of the watch, while its wearability and ergonomics are improved with a slimmer profile (unfortunately, the brand does not reveal the exact thickness of the new model as usual) and the inclusion of lugs that are curved inwards for better fit. Breitling Avenger Blackbird likewise has a special pilot’s non-slip grip screw-locked crown with protection. It should also be said that it has a metal case-back and prominent water resistance to 300 meters.

Automatic Chronometer Movement

For the beating heart of the model, Brietling has selected B 17 caliber. It is, unfortunately, one of the ETA based movements and not among the brand’s proprietary ones. The caliber B 17 has a base of ETA 2824-2 movement which was subsequently re-done in the brand’s workshops in Grenchen in order for it to be able to get the COSC chronometric certification. The self-winding mechanical movement has 25 jewels and a modest power reserve that lasts for 42 hours.

Lastly, new Breitling Avenger Blackbird has another trait that connotes the flying origin of the entire brand and the nature of the Avenger series itself. It is its Military strap made of reinforced fabric. There are two options for the color of the attachment: anthracite gray or khaki green. Regardless of the color, the clasp of choice is a tang-type buckle.